In every startup’s journey, there’s a pivotal moment that determines success or failure. For Comnet, our first startup, it was securing our first major contract. As a new player without a well-known brand, convincing potential clients of our capabilities was daunting.
I remembered something crucial from my childhood—the game of spinning the top, or ‘lattoo.’ The key to winning was to conserve energy by spinning it in one place for as long as possible without tipping, outlasting the rest.
This childhood lesson shaped our strategy. Firstly, we need to find that one idea. Secondly , since decision-making in business, doesn’t happen instantly; it unfolds over time. we needed to ensure that the idea was a winner at the final showdown a few months later.
That search took us to Israel where we chanced upon a new emerging technology that was still in the labs, just a rough concept and not a fully developed product. It was risky—like betting on a top that wasn’t yet proven to spin well but had potential. We believed in this approach and started working closely with our Israeli partners, a startup group you see here, as nervous as us.
By the time we reached the final four shortlist, we had a new, fully functional product that outshone older technologies. Our focused energy on developing cutting-edge features of our ‘Lattoo’, to be ready just in time for the final round, won us the deal.
Since then, this approach has guided me through many challenges: Find one idea you believe in, time your efforts carefully, and give it everything you’ve got.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to participate - it’s to be the last top standing.